ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The holiday season can be lonely for seniors in nursing homes, but DJ Daniel Bookhart is bringing cheer with his Adopt a Grandparent campaign. Now in its second year, the campaign has expanded from one nursing home to three, including Blossom Healthcare Center.

Last year, the campaign focused on one location. This year, it includes Hilton East Assisted Living and Cirrus Manor Residential Center. Bookhart organizes this for seniors who don’t receive visitors during the holidays.

“Their eyes lit up. They were just so happy that someone who’s not a family member was coming to spend time with them,” Bookhart said.

The campaign is powered by community donations, bringing items that bring holiday cheer to seniors. Bookhart said he asks each nursing home what they need and relays that to donors.

“Every time I do a nursing home, I do ask them, what do you guys really need in here? And I when I tell them my people that donate, if you want to buy for your grandparent or your grandpa, what would you buy? That’s the stuff I need. Slippers, blankets cause they say it’s always cold in there, puzzle books,” said Bookhart.

One senior even tried to give Bookhart a gift. “She gave me these albums Johnny Cash, Tanya Wynette and all that. I want you to have these because I don’t have nothing to play on,”

Bookhart said. Bookhart had other plans. “I took those albums, I rewrap them, and I went and bought her a record player. I gave it back to her. I was like, here, this is for you. Now you got something to listen to,” he said.

Bookhart wasn’t sure if he’d continue the campaign after losing his own son earlier this year. However, he realized he shares a connection with those he helps.

“I lost my kid. I know what it’s like to have pieces fall off. You and I know everybody sitting in front of me. They have pieces missing. They don’t even have a home no more. This is what they considered their house. So this is why I need to do it,” said Bookhart.

The campaign also attracts volunteers dealing with their own losses. “A lot of them lost their grandparents, so it feels good for them to do something for grandmother or for grandfather,” Bookhart said.

The next giveaway is scheduled at Blossom Healthcare Center this Tuesday, with another at Cirrus Manor Residential Center on Christmas Eve.

Those interested in volunteering or donating can do so here.

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